Duma elections to replace half of United Russia faction members - Putin

"Our party in the State Duma is to undergo serious renovation – by half or even more," he stressed

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CHEREPOVETS, September 5 (Itar-Tass) —— The United Russia faction in the State Duma should be renewed more than 50 percent following the December elections, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at an interregional conference of the party in the North-West Federal District.

"Our party in the State Duma is to undergo serious renovation – by half or even more," he stressed. At the same time, Putin said, "we should not lose the people who have proven that they can work for the good of the country."

"Both party and government structures will give thought to it," he promised.

Putin also called for emplying the practice of preliminary popular vote - primaries - in the regional elections.

"I suggest that the lists of United Russia in the regional elections should include no less than 25 percent of the winners of the preliminary vote," he said.

Putin spoke highly of the outcome of such practices. In his view, the primaries showed people's desire for consolidation.

United Russia, which, of course, has a lot of problems and is rightly criticised in many respects, has demonstrated its ability to develop.

“The qualitative renewal of the party’s principles is obvious," he said.